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| Pear Blossoms |
Coming out of our winter funk is always a bit of a challenge. Many of us notice our Spring clothes are a bit tighter, our movements slower and our food does not support the warmer weather.
3 Ways to Put Some SPRING into Your Yoga Practice:
1. Start moving more. Whether you are walking, biking, swimming, or adding some more rigor to your yoga practice, now is the time. The human body was meant to move. Many of us have sedentary lives. Small amounts of regular, gentle exercise is best. You might check out my 7-minute video to get your blood pumping.
2. Start to lighten up your diet. Notice which foods you are attracted to. This is the time to do a Spring cleanse, eat raw fruit and vegetables, and let go of the foods that weigh you down literally and figuratively. Check out my post on Eating Clean for more ideas.
3. Take up a breathing practice or grow the one you are working on. You might add pranayama (breath work) into your asana practice. I suggest Ujjayi (oo ji e) breathing, which is energizing and a bit warming.
Start by placing your hand in front of your mouth.
Breathe into your palm as if you're fogging a mirror. Now, take your hand away and continue to breathe in that manner. You can begin by using Ujjayi on your exhale and then add in the inhale as you feel more comfortable. As with any yogic practice, it is best to receive instruction from a certified instructor.
A breathing practice can also be developed through chanting. You might work with a mantra (usually we get these from a teacher), but you can use one you resonate with from reputable source. You might start with the sound Om or another favorite of mine is the sound Ah. See which feels best in your body and mind.
Either of these practices will help to lengthen your breath and increase your energy level.
If you're in Salt Lake, you might consider checking out an Introduction to Desire Mapping with me this Saturday, March 28 from 1-4 pm at Mindful Yoga Collective.
I'd love to hear how you do with any of these practices.
#Happy Spring!
What is a mala?
A traditional mala मल is made of 108 beads, usually natural materials, stone, bone, wood or seed. There is an additional larger bead, called a guru or meru bead. This bead holds space for you when you are chanting. It is also gathers your energy when you chant.
Many religions use some sort of beads for prayer, recitation of verse or chanting, including Christians, Buddhists, Islam and Hindus. Using a mala does not have to be a religious practice.
How do you use a mala?
A mala is generally used with a mantra मन्त्र, a sound or group of sounds. The beads are run through the thumb and middle finger. Why not the index finger? The index finger is correlated to the individual soul or ego. The Middle finger represent peace or satva सत्व . When you reach 108, you turn around and go the other way if you want to continue. This way the energy builds in the guru bead. The mala allows the chanter to focus on their mantra and not keeping count of how many times they say the mantra.
Japa जप is the sanskrit word for the recitation of mantra. Most traditions believe that mantras should be given to the student from their teacher. Repeating a mantra can be a spiritual practice, it can be a meditation, it can soothe, heal and change the way you feel, think and are.
It is recommended not to share your malas with other because the more you use them, the more they are charged with your energy. I do have some that I share with students, yet these are not the mala that I use for personal practice.
Why 108 beads?
There are many reasons that the number 108 is considered sacred. SwamiJ has a substantial list if you are interested.
I have heard criticism of people, yogis (someone who practices yoga) in particular, using malas in ways that take away their sacred standing in spiritual practice. My personal feeling is that people can use a mala is any way that is appropriate for them.
How can you use a mala?
1. To keep track of chanting a mantra; practicing japa mantra.
2. To identify and place yourself within a particular group. Some religious people where their beads, mala, rosary, etc. around their neck to identify themselves with their religion or spiritual practice.
3. As a lovely piece of jewelry. Malas are beautiful works of art, simple or intricate. They can be worn around the wrist or neck. My favorite new mala is pictured here.
So the next time you see a yogi with beads wrapped around their wrist or hanging around their neck, you will know what they are.
#mala #108 #desiremapping
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| warming kichadi |
Cleansing has been around for a long, long time and there are many ways a person can choose to cleanse. No matter what type of cleanse you are doing, these simple steps will help you succeed.
1. Be Prepared-write down what you're going to eat and to do for self-care. Think about each choice you make and decide if it really needs to happen and if it supports you. Make a shopping list, buy what's on the list, and prepare ahead of time what you can. Have some go to healthy snacks in the fridge, office and/or car.
2. Keep it Simple-one-pot recipes-soups, kichardi's, give yourself a couple of days to get ready, let go of addictions slowly, choose the right cleanse for you, stop eating before you are full, move slowly and be mindful of your choices.
3. Return to Your Regular Diet Slowly-Slowly add your regular food and drink into your diet. I encourage my students to journal while cleansing so they can observe what helps them to feel good and what does not. If you find that a food doesn't support you, don't eat it. I know, it's easier said than done. Many of us must prove to ourselves that we can or cannot eat something over and over before we finally do what feels best. After you've spent time feeling energetic, bright and amazingly healthy, you will notice very quickly what does not work for your system.
Just as every food, exercise or medicine does not work for every person, neither does every cleanse. I think I've tried most everything available over time. What works best for me is eating whole foods, in small quantities, prepared with love (hopefully with a bit of chanting). Eating local, organic, and well-cared for products supports a healthy diet. Making sure your environment and company are inviting and calm. Turning off the TV or other electronics enhances and soothes digestion.
Cleansing is about letting go of toxins, excess and rejuvenating so don't stress out. Choose a cleanse that is gentle, safe and supportive. Remember there is some truth in the statement, "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is." Be clear and realistic about your intentions and most of be gentle with yourself. We want to create healthy bodies, minds and lives. I'd love to hear about your experiences below.
#cleanse #keepitsimple #beprepared
